Public Safety Run & Tug raises thousands for Special Olympics

Towson, MD  — Under a veil of sunshine and crisp autumn temperatures, more than 150 Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services employees participated in a rousing Tug of War and 5K Run on Friday, Oct. 16, raising $11,700 for Maryland Special Olympics.

Twenty seven-member teams representing correctional facilities throughout the state grunted and yanked their way through the intensely competitive Tug of War as supporters cheered from the sidelines.

“There’s a lot of pride,” Correctional Officer Travis Donica of North Branch Correctional Institution in Cumberland said. “It’s for charity and we want to represent our institutions well.”

Jessup Correctional Institution Chief of Security Allen Gang finished first in the 5K run, crossing the finish line in an impressive 18 minutes.

“It motivates staff,” said Gang, who has been participating in the tradition since 2006. “We’re all in this together.”

Since the inception of the annual event, the department has raised over $250,000 for Special Olympics. Secretary Stephen T. Moyer experienced his first event at the Maryland Public Safety Education and Training Center in Sykesville, and was proud of
the effort of the employees.

“I think it shows we’re a compassionate department,” Moyer said. “There are bigger causes than what we do every day.”

The money helps individuals such as Special Olympian Michael Heup who participates in seven sports year round ranging from soccer to snow shoeing.

“We want to thank all of you for doing this for us,” Heup told the crowd of 350 people. “You guys are our family.”